The Lap Band® System Advantage

Minimal Trauma

Least invasive surgical option
No intestinal re-routing
No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel (see video / 4.6Mb)
Reduced patient pain, hospital length-of-stay and recovery period

Fewer Risks and Side Effects

Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
Reduced risk of hair loss
No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions

Adjustable

Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss
Adjustments performed without additional surgery
Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs

Reversible

Removable at any time
Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and functions

Effective Long-Term Weight Loss

More than 100,000 cases performed worldwide
Standard of care for hundreds of practices around the world
Academic publications with up to 7 years of follow-up

LAP-BAND Candidates

The BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System is not right for everyone. Here are some of the things we will consider when evaluating your candidacy for obesity surgery.

Indications
Contraindications

Indications

The LAP-BAND System may be right for you if:

You are at least 18 years old.
Your BMI is 40 or higher or you weigh at least twice your ideal weight or you weigh at least 100 pounds more than your ideal weight. (BMI is calculated by dividing body weight (lbs.) by height in inches squared (in2) and multiplying that amount by 704.5).
You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
Your serious attempts to lose weight have had only short-term success.
You do not have any other disease that may have caused your obesity.
You are prepared to make substantial changes in your eating habits and lifestyle.
You are willing to continue being monitored by the specialist who is treating you.
You do not drink alcohol in excess.

Contraindications

The LAP-BAND System is not right for you if:

You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohn's disease.
You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for surgery.
You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. This might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel).
You have portal hypertension.
Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance you might have a narrowed opening.
You have or have experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement.
You have cirrhosis.
You have chronic pancreatitis.
You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the BioEnterics LAP-BAND System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.)
You are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
You are under 18 years of age.
You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area.
You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment.
You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure.
You might be allergic to materials in the device.
You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device.
You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases.